Nursing Elites

1. Which condition refers to the heart being unable to pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs?

• A. Heart failure
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Cardiomyopathy
• D. Pericarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart can't pump enough blood to fulfill the body's requirements. Myocardial infarction (choice B) is the medical term for a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries. Cardiomyopathy (choice C) is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood. Pericarditis (choice D) is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart, and does not specifically involve the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood.

2. The nurse is administering an ACE inhibitor to a client. What is the most common side effect?

• A. Cough
• B. Dizziness
• C. Hypotension
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors due to an increase in bradykinin levels. This irritating cough can be bothersome to clients and should be monitored. Choice B, Dizziness, is not the most common side effect of ACE inhibitors. While ACE inhibitors can cause hypotension (Choice C), cough is more prevalent. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a possible side effect of ACE inhibitors but is less common compared to cough.

3. What is a condition where the lungs become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream?

• A. Pulmonary fibrosis
• B. Pulmonary edema
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Pulmonary hypertension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is a condition characterized by the stiffening and scarring of the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and impairing the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream. Pulmonary edema refers to fluid accumulation in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties due to fluid filling the air sacs. Pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, often caused by a blood clot. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can lead to strain on the heart and affect oxygen levels in the blood.

4. The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin with a heart rate of 48 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Administer atropine to increase the heart rate.
• D. Increase the dose of digoxin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's priority action should be to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 48 bpm is low, and digoxin, being a medication that can further decrease the heart rate, should be withheld. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would not be appropriate in this situation as it can exacerbate bradycardia. Atropine (Choice C) is not the initial treatment for this scenario; holding the digoxin is the first action. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice D) would be contraindicated due to the client's bradycardia. Therefore, the correct action is to hold the digoxin and inform the healthcare provider for further guidance.

5. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
• D. Administer potassium supplements.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L is considered low and can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would put the client at a higher risk for toxicity. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice C) is not appropriate when the client's potassium level is low. Administering potassium supplements (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the priority action in this situation.

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